Introduction to the Halfback Position
The halfback position in no-gi grappling differs from the standard back control by utilizing only one hook instead of two. This position can be entered from side control and offers multiple submission pathways. In tournament settings, the instructor prioritizes point accumulation before transitioning; in submission-only formats, the transition is immediate.
Hip Control and Positional Mechanics
The halfback position locks the opponent's hips in place through specific leg positioning: the bottom leg curls inward while the top leg extends outward. This configuration prevents the opponent from rotating their hips backward toward the practitioner while allowing them to turn forward. Preventing shoulder contact with the mat remains the primary defensive priority for the opponent.
Hand Positioning and Grip Concealment Strategy
The practitioner elevates to their elbow and drives forward with chest pressure, which creates distance between the choking arm and the opponent's awareness. By keeping the finishing arm hidden rather than extended toward the neck, the practitioner maintains tactical advantage—the opponent may forget the arm's presence during grip exchanges. This 'flying under the radar' principle delays the opponent's defensive reaction until the choke is fully applied.
Chin Elevation and Arm Withdrawal
From the established seatbelt grip position, the practitioner uses their palm to lift the opponent's chin upward, opening the neck for the choke. If the opponent resists at the underarm, withdrawing that arm and reestablishing it creates continued forward chest pressure that prevents backward hip rotation. This sequence naturally opens the path for the choking arm to pass through.
Three Finishing Variations
The primary finish employs a standard rear naked choke with a gable grip once the arm successfully threads under the chin. If the opponent's grip interferes with the standard finish, the practitioner transitions to a wrist-cup variation: the rear arm curls under the opponent's arm, rolls the wrist, and pins the shoulder before extension. All three chokes flow sequentially from the same positional setup.
Execution Details for Rear Naked Choke
The choking arm should remain inactive and non-threatening until the moment of application—the practitioner keeps the arm positioned but not touching the neck. When threading the finishing arm, the elbow drives through in an extended motion rather than a bent approach. This extended trajectory increases depth and pressure application while creating a stronger mechanical advantage.
Chin Defense and the Sawing Motion
When an opponent successfully defends by tucking their chin, the standard rear naked choke will fail. The solution involves withdrawing the thumb from the grip and employing a sawing motion across the opponent's face, which forces the chin upward and creates space for proper hand placement. Once the chin elevation is achieved through this technique, the choke can be finished from the corrected position.
Effective Rear Naked Choke Finish (Hide The Kill Grip)
Key Takeaways
- •Introduction to the Halfback Position
- •Hip Control and Positional Mechanics
- •Hand Positioning and Grip Concealment Strategy
- •Chin Elevation and Arm Withdrawal
Here are at least 3 effective tips to help you finish your Rear Naked Choke once you've achieved Back Mount in BJJ. I did this move in the No Gi, but it works fine in Gi as well. The biggest problem for me when it comes to finishing the Rear Naked Choke in BJJ is the fact that once you've got the Back Mount. People become ultra defensive and will immediately grab the arm that you're going to use to choke them. Over the years I've struggle with this. Then there was one day when I was rolling with a big strong guy who had a traps up to his ears and didn't have very much neck to choke. In addition, he was really strong and would lock onto my arm and I found it really hard to get the grip to choke. So on a spur of the moment decision during one of our rolls during a BJJ training session. I just pulled the choking arm out so he couldn't grab it. Then I lifted his chin. And bam! I was able to finish the Rear Naked Choke. I call this Flying Under the Radar with your grips. What I mean is, placing your body in such a way that you sort of mask your eventual intention. Instead of getting a strong grip early and selling it too quick where your partner or opponent becomes aware of it. I try to hide the grip so that my opponent doesn't become aware of it until the submission or BJJ technique is already underway. I've also included 3 Rear Naked Choke variation that I've used in BJJ competitions and training over the years. I hope all the details in this video help you hit the Rear Naked Choke more effectively in your Brazilian Jiujitsu training or future competitions. They're simple tips so they should be easy to implement. Thanks for watching! -Chewy ----------------- Free Ebook: http://www.chewjitsu.net/focused-jiu-jitsu-13-page-ebook/ T shirts: http://www.chewjitsu.net/shop/ http://www.Facebook.com/Chewjitsu http://www.instagram.com/Chewjitsu http://www.twitter.com/Chewjitsu Intro/Outtro Music : http://www.thesoundproviders.com/#/ If you’d ever like to train with the team and I. Check out my gym Derby City MMA in Louisville,KY.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does this video teach about one arm rear naked choke?
This video covers introduction to the halfback position, hip control and positional mechanics, hand positioning and grip concealment strategy. It provides detailed instruction from Chewjitsu.
How long does it take to learn one arm rear naked choke?
The basic mechanics can be understood in a single session, but developing reliable execution requires consistent drilling over weeks of practice. This 7-part breakdown helps structure your training by isolating each phase of the technique.
What are the key details for finishing one arm rear naked choke?
The choking arm should remain inactive and non-threatening until the moment of application—the practitioner keeps the arm positioned but not touching the neck. When threading the finishing arm, the elbow drives through in an extended motion rather than a bent approach. This extended trajectory increases depth and pressure application while creating a stronger mechanical advantage.
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